Despite pandemic, Aero India 2021 show goes on

Aero India 2021 is the first ever mega airshow being held in the world during the pandemic

Bengaluru: The first ever mega airshow being held in the world during the pandemic – Aero India 2021 at Yelahanka Air Force Station, got underway as if the pandemic did not exist and there wasn't any global economic crisis. It exuded positivity. The show meant a lot to the organisers and India who was looking to accelerate its defence preparedness and focus on the Make in India process called 'Atmanirbhar Bharat', a self-reliant India.

Inaugurating the 13th edition of the premier airshow in Asia, the Minister of Defence, Rajnath Singh said that the State of Karnataka with a 'mature eco-system' of aerospace and defence and the hosting of Aero India was perfect platform for India's domestic manufacturing to achieve greater heights.

130 billion dollars of military modernisation

In the next 7 to 8 years, the military modernisation programme would entail opportunities worth 130 billion dollars. The domestic industry, both public and private, had to forge partnership with participating nations here to achieve those levels. "We are now marching towards 'Make for the World' from 'Make in India'. As such several countries have already expressed interest in what India is going to be exporting in aerospace and defence sectors.

There were unique challenges, he said and added that 'no journey can be passed through testing times'. The government since 2014 has been continuously working on reforms to propel economic growth and mentioned how it was trying to attract investments from overseas – 74 per cent through automatic route and 100 per cent through government route. The reforms and Aero India would act as catalysts for foreign players.

India jumps 14 positions in 'ease of doing business'

India has jumped 14 positions to occupy 63rd position in the ranking of ease of doing business. He called upon foreign investors to tie up with Indian firms to set up their base here for the world market, adding that the goal is to achieve a turnover of 1,75,000 crore rupees turnover in aerospace and defence production by 2024.

500 companies have taken defence license

The Defence Minister stated that nearly 500 companies have taken defence license, which is an indicator of the opportunities that exist. The order for the biggest 'Make in India' contract of 83 Light Combat Aircraft, would energise the MSMEs. The two defence industrial corridors in Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh would give boost to India's march of indigenisation. Similarly, civil aviation has been seeing exponential growth in passenger and cargo traffic, opening up avenues for setting up manufacturing facilities in aero engines; aircraft assemblies; MRO and more.

Playing a dominant role in the Indian Ocean region

Moving from economic opportunities to national and regional security, Rajnath Singh said 'Our interest lies beyond our shores in the Indian Ocean Region." With Indians or people of Indian origin being in the region, he stated, it is our bounden duty to assist them during any crisis, besides dealing with security challenges such as sea piracy, state-sponsored terrorism or misadventures by belligerent nations. India is ever vigilant and it would deal with any misadventure at all costs.

The Indian Ocean Region conclave which has an attendance of 27 countries, represented mostly by the respective defence ministers or Ambassadors, will give a direction to India's strategic approach. This is in sync with the Prime Minister's vision of 'Sagar' (Security and growth for all in the region).

Karnataka accounts for 65 per cent of aerospace exports

The Chief Minister of Karnataka B S Yediyurappa said 65 per cent of aerospace exports from India were accounted for by Karnataka, taking a place of pre-eminence in the aerospace and defence sectors. It was in 2008, the Government of Karnataka allocated 1,000 acres for an aerospace park, one of the first States to do that. Karnataka will be soon setting up MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul) facility in Hassan. It was organising a mega exhibition of MSME in September 2021 and sought the support of the Ministry of Defence.

Spectacular flying display

The inaugural event witnessed a spectacular flying display by Rafale in a 'Brahmastra formation'; the LCA Tejas in various formations and aerobatics by the teams of Sarang and Surya Kiran. The highlight of the display was a fly-by the US Air Force's B1B Bomber which is a multi-role aircraft. It flew into India after a 26 hour flight.